SL/R231: Top speed: 2013 vs 2014
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 7
Likes: 3
From: former Philly, now Southern Nevada
85 300E, 89 300E, 96 E320, 07 CLS550, 14 SL550
Was driving the car today. At 80mph the Tach is at 2,ooo RPM. From the pic, the tach needle looks to be pointing between the 4 and the 5, nearer the 5 by the looks of it. By my math, 5 would be 200 mph, soooo, 180mph?
I know the car is SUPPOSED to be limited to 155 so someone that knows a lot more than I do about SL's will have to explain.
I know the car is SUPPOSED to be limited to 155 so someone that knows a lot more than I do about SL's will have to explain.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 1,636
Likes: 522
From: Hagerstown MD
2015 SL400; 2019 X5M40i
My understanding is the maximum speed is limited by computer to 155 mph as are most German cars exported to the US. I believe this limit is based on the tires as most are only speed rated to around 160 mph. When the limit is reached fuel is cut off to the engine.
If I am wrong I am sure I will be corrected but I hope not chastised.
If I am wrong I am sure I will be corrected but I hope not chastised.
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 7
Likes: 3
From: former Philly, now Southern Nevada
85 300E, 89 300E, 96 E320, 07 CLS550, 14 SL550
Randall, I posted a pic of the spedo above. I am just guessing as to the tach needle position, but as I said, it looks closer to the 5 than the 4. This is not my first merc, but it is my first SL so I certainly am no authority. My CLS550 (if I remember correctly) was still pulling hard till the limiter at 150 mph. Don't think I am going to recreate the high speed run any time soon.
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 19
Likes: 10
SL500
I live in Germany, where we have lots of highways that are not speed limited. I have an 2013 SL500 and it stops accelerating when I reach 160mph. (I do that requently as it makes lots of fun, but usually in the night or when the highway is not crowded.
Regards,
Micha
Regards,
Micha
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 503
Likes: 95
From: Miami Beach
2006 CLS55 AMG Sold 2010 E550 Coupe totaled by mechanic, '13 SL550 I totaled it, 2017 SL63 current
I believe if you get a software upgrade, ie: renntech, oetuning etc the speed limiter is or can be eliminated. I would have to think the SL550 would be capable of at least 180. I had mine up to 130 which was good enough for me.
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 19
Likes: 10
SL500
A friend of mine opened the speed limit of the sl and used a race chip. The 500sl does now 189mph and he calls it "the beast" 
He has to come over the boarder to test it as he lives in Austria where they have the lovely speeding limits like you have
regards,
Michael
He has to come over the boarder to test it as he lives in Austria where they have the lovely speeding limits like you have
regards,
Michael
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 997
Likes: 260
From: Frisco Colorado, USA
2024 GLB35 AMG, 2020 S560 Coupe
My understanding is the maximum speed is limited by computer to 155 mph as are most German cars exported to the US. I believe this limit is based on the tires as most are only speed rated to around 160 mph. When the limit is reached fuel is cut off to the engine.
If I am wrong I am sure I will be corrected but I hope not chastised.
If I am wrong I am sure I will be corrected but I hope not chastised.
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 997
Likes: 260
From: Frisco Colorado, USA
2024 GLB35 AMG, 2020 S560 Coupe
What 200 mph tires does he have?
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 1,636
Likes: 522
From: Hagerstown MD
2015 SL400; 2019 X5M40i
I sure wish I had a nice car capable of 100+ mph during my 3 years in Germany. Unfortunately we shipped a full size Dodge van over to make our frequent road trips more comfortable with 2 kids in tow. I tested its capability on the autobahn and at about 85 mph it was became somewhat "unstable".
I was able to achieve 145 mph in later years when I did 3 European Deliveries of new BMWs. Driving on the autobahn is NOTHING like driving on a typical American interstate highway. Drivers stay to the right and only pass on the left and immediately return to the right lane. On stretches that have 3 lanes most of the large trucks stay in the right lane and out of the way. Almost everyone uses their turn signals when changing lanes. If you are in the left lane and not going fast enough you will quickly see flashing lights behind you as a big Audi, Mercedes or BMW is approaching at 100+ mph speeds. Autobahn driving can be exciting but it also requires a lot of concentration.
I was able to achieve 145 mph in later years when I did 3 European Deliveries of new BMWs. Driving on the autobahn is NOTHING like driving on a typical American interstate highway. Drivers stay to the right and only pass on the left and immediately return to the right lane. On stretches that have 3 lanes most of the large trucks stay in the right lane and out of the way. Almost everyone uses their turn signals when changing lanes. If you are in the left lane and not going fast enough you will quickly see flashing lights behind you as a big Audi, Mercedes or BMW is approaching at 100+ mph speeds. Autobahn driving can be exciting but it also requires a lot of concentration.
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Joined: May 2002
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Likes: 3,680
From: Land of 10,000 lakes
AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
The speed limit of 250km/h (155mph) was not based on tires or legal requirements. It is a self imposed limit that most German car manufacturers adhere to for the safety of the overall traffic. Created in Germany for Germany but since the country has the highest speed limits in the world (as in none for many highways), those limits were left.
Porsche doesn't adhere to that limit given that it is a sports car brand and neither does Bentley and other brands. Mercedes and BMW increase that speed limit to 186mph-200mph with certain AMG models (either by model or via Performance Package option) or M-Cars with the M-Driver package.
The default tire speed on the SL are Y-rated tires, good for 186mph. Naturally, manufacturers will try to put cheaper tires with lower rated speed on cars where they could never be used to their limit, partially for price but mostly for longevity and a smooth ride as high performance tires are pretty bumpy until warmed up.
Porsche doesn't adhere to that limit given that it is a sports car brand and neither does Bentley and other brands. Mercedes and BMW increase that speed limit to 186mph-200mph with certain AMG models (either by model or via Performance Package option) or M-Cars with the M-Driver package.
The default tire speed on the SL are Y-rated tires, good for 186mph. Naturally, manufacturers will try to put cheaper tires with lower rated speed on cars where they could never be used to their limit, partially for price but mostly for longevity and a smooth ride as high performance tires are pretty bumpy until warmed up.
Last edited by Wolfman; Jul 22, 2022 at 01:42 PM.
